Probably the best weight loss plans to use to get in shape for a wedding are those that don't involve making radical, major changes in your eating habits or lifestyle--those tempered by moderation. That would rule out restrictive lowcarb diet plans such as Atkins, cabbage soup, or South Beach, and also such drastic measures as weight loss surgery.

Weight loss programs such as Weight Watchers, NutriSystem or Jenny Craig, or plans developed by a registered dietitian or nutritionist might be the better choice. During this hectic wedding planning time, brides to be might find that a weight loss program that offers ready-prepared meals that can be popped into a microwave, like Jenny Craig or NutriSystem, might be worth the extra money, at least for the short term. You don't have to worry about cooking nutritious meals, measuring portion sizes, etc. since all the work is done for you.

Every bride wants to look her best on the wedding day, since she is the focus-all eyes will be on her, her dress, her appearance, her hair, etc. Many photos will be taken of her that will last for years. No wonder that many brides to be, along with all the details of arranging a wedding, also stress out on losing weight in a short time.

It's not uncommon for brides to use rapid weight loss, quick-fix, fad diets such as retail diet pills to drop a few pounds. This can be unhealthy and could even wind up ruining the day, or the honeymoon, because the woman may be weak from losing too much weight too fast.

Back in 2004, dieters were focused on the South Beach Diet, but now Americans are turning back to Weight Watchers, as the lowcarb movement has faded.

Health experts agree that these are the most common mistakes that brides  to be make in trying to drop some pounds before the wedding:

Starting a diet plan too late. You didn't gain the weight in a matter of 4-8 weeks, so why set unrealistic goals and try to lose it within that short time frame? Instead, plan ahead, including a fitness or diet plan along with all the other wedding-related tasks on your to do list.

Being realistic about weight loss goals.  If you've never been a size 4, why expect to be that size by your wedding day? You are unlikely to achieve a magical transformation, so don't even consider it.

Using a radical weight loss program to lose the weight quickly. You've seen all the ads--TV commercials and infomercials promising rapid weight loss without exercising. You've seen the dramatic before and after photos (with the disclaimer "results not typical"). Are you still going to fall for that? Experts advise against being tempted by such fad diets, taking over-the-counter diet pills or laxatives, or using diet plans that tell you to eat one kind of food (i.e. the cabbage soup diet, grapefruit diet). Many of these diet products, including ones using herbs or stimulants, can be dangerous and are easily abused.

Moreover, the weight you lose on a crash diet will probably come back, and more. After depriving your body of food, your body will crave fatty foods and junk food, leading to extra weight gain. Is that the way you want to start your new marriage?

Too little  exercise. For most people, exercising regularly under normal times is difficult. Trying to maintain a regimen when you're dealing with wedding planning details can seem impossible. Experts agree that  eating a healthy diet and the right foods, in proper portion, AND exercise go hand in hand. Try to incorporate small periods of time when you can go to the health club for 30 minutes a few times a week, do some extra walking, jog for 20 minutes. Go to a jazzercise class. Swim for a few minutes, anything. An added bonus is that exercising regularly will give you more energy to handle those wedding tasks.

Skipping meals. Probably not a good idea. We know it's easy to get bogged down in wedding planning details and lose track of time. But, skipping meals is unhealthy and can lead to binge eating--something you definitely don't want to do if you want to fit into that beautiful dress! Instead, try packing light snacks and eating several small meals during the day.